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THE 



STATE HOUSE, 



BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 



"The new State-House: may its comer stone be the 'rights 0/ man '—Its roof, 
■wisdom; and its walls, patriotism."— July 4,1795. 



By DAVID PULSIFER. 



£/^ B O ST ON: 

WRIGHT & POTTER, STATE PRINTERS, No. 4 SPRING LANE. 

1865. 



-Iai 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by 

DATID PULSIPER, 

In tlie Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 






Z^V/^ 




Ordered, That Nathan Gushing, Esq., be a Committee to prepare a 
Seal for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who reported a Device for a 
Seal for said Commonwealth, as follows, viz. : 

Sapphire, an Indian dressed in his Shirt, [and] Moggosins, belted proper, 
in his right Hand a Bow, Topaz, in his left an Arrow, its point towards the 
Base ; of the second, on the Dexter side of the Indian's head, a Star, Pearl, 
for one of the United States of America. Crest, — On a wreath a Dexter 
Arm clothed and ruffled proper, grasping a Broad Sword, the Pummel & 
Hilt, Topaz, with this Motto — ense petit placidam sub libertate 
QUiETEM — and around the Seal — sigillum keipublic.e massachuset- 

TENSIS. 



Advised that the said Report be accepted as the Arms of the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts. — [Council Records, Dec. 13th, 1780. 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 



OFFICES IN THE STATE HOUSE. 



WEST WING. 

Front. — Adjutant-General's, where the military records are carefully 
kept. 

Jtear. — Secretary of State. Here the Records and Archives of the 
Colony, Province and Commonwealth are faithfully preserved and kept ; 
the Records of the Massachusetts Company, commencing in the year 1628. 
In this Department is the original Charter granted by Charles the First, 
A. D. 1628 ; also, second Charter, by William & Mary, and Explanatory 
Charter by George I. 

There is also a Manifesto and Proclamation, on parchment, of the 
Commissioners of Great Britain appointed by George III. for eflFecting 
" a reunion and coalition with her colonies," " with the exemption from 
any imposition of taxes by the Parliament." Dated October 3, 17T8. 

EAST WING. 
Front. — Sergkant-at-Arms. This officer, when the General Court is 
in session, performs the duties of Sergeant-at-Arms to both branches, has 
the general charge and oversight of the State House, and under his direc- 
tion every facility is afforded for visiting the cupola, halls, and offices. 

Auditor. — Here may be seen a portrait of Dennis DeBerdt, bearing the 
following inscription : — 

" DENNIS DeBERDT, Esq. 

FORMERLY PROVINCLA.L AGENT 
OF MASS. AT THE 

COURT OP St. James." 

Rear. — Treasurer. In this office are kept the standard weights, 
measures, and balances by which all others in the Commonwealth are 
regulated. 

On the opposite side of the entry is the office of Brig. Gen. William J. 
Dale, Surgeon-General, whose kindness to all having occasion to visit his 
department during the whole course of the war now ended, (may it be 
the last war of the United States,) will be most gratefully remembered. 



THE STATE HOUSE IN* BOSTON. 



DIRECTORY 



EAST WIXG, (Right, cm entering from Beacon Street.) 

Basement. — State Cabinet; Secretaiy of the Board of Agriculture (on 
Mt. Yernon Street;) Public Land Commissioners, (Xo. 17;) Insurance 
Commissioners, (Xo. 18.) 

Lower Floor. — Sergeant-at-Arms ; Auditor of Accounts; Tax Com- 
missioner; Treasurer and Receiver-General ; Surgeon-General. 

Thikd Stokt. — President of the Senate, and Clerk of the Senate, (rear 
of the Senate Chamber.) 

WEST WIN^G, (Lefl, on enUring from Beacon Street.) 

BASE3rBXT. — Bank Commissioners; Pay-RoU Office of the Adjutant- 
General. 

LowEB Floor. — Adjutant-General; State Aid; Secretary of the Com- 
monwealth; Paymaster-General; Quartermaster-General, and Master of 
Ordnance. 

Second Stort.— Speaker of the House of Representatives, No. 8, (com- 
munication by stairway leading to the Council Chamber;) Clerk of the 
House of Representatives, No. 9, (communication the same as to No. 8;) 
Board of State Charities, Xos, 11 and 12; State Library; Secretary of the 
Board of Education. 

Thlbd Stoey. — Executive Department. 



THE STATE BOITSB IN BOSTON. 



DESCRIPTION OP THE STATE HOUSE. 



The land on which the State House stands, formerly belonged 
to Governor Hancock. Its foundation is about 100 feet above 
the level of the harbor. 

It has been said that "the beauty ana advantages of this 
situation, which induced the Legislature to make choice of it for 
the present building, are acknowledged by both natives and 
foreigners. It vies with the most picturesque scenes in Europe, 
and will bear comparison with the castle hill of Edinburgh, the 
famous bay of Naples, or any other most commanding prospect." 

Previous to its enlargement a few years since, it was described 
as an oblong building 173 feet front and 61 deep; it consists 
externally of a basement story, 20 feet high, and a principal story, 
30 feet. This in the centre of the front, is covered with an attic 
60 feet wide, 20 feet high, which is covered with a pediment. 
Immediately above this, rises a dome, 50 feet diameter and 30 
feet high ; the whole terminates with an elegant circular lanthorn. 
The basement story is finished plain on the wings with square 
windows. The centre is 94 feet in length, and formed of arches 
which project 14 feet ; they form a covered walk below, and 
support a colonnade of Corinthian columns of the same extent 
above. The outside walls are of large patent bricks. The lower 
story is divided into a large hall or public walk in the centre, 
55 feet square, and 20 feet high, supported by Doric columns ; 
two entries, each 16 feet wide, with two flights of stairs in each ; 
and at the ends offices for the Treasurer, Secretary, Adjutant and 
Quartermaster-General. 

The whole cost of the building amounted to $133,333.33. The 
enlargement cost $243,203.86. 

The following account of laying the corner-stone is taken from 
the " Columbian Centinel," of Wednesday, July 8, 1795 :— 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 7 

MASONIC CELEBRATION. 
The Governor — being complimented by the Agents of the Common- 
wealth for building the intended State Bouse, with laying the corner-stone 
thereof, His Excellency requested the assistance of the Grand Lodge 
therein. Accordingly on Saturday last, the Lodges assembled at the 
Representatives' Chamber, and proceeded in masonic order to the Old 
South Meeting-House, to attend the Oration. After which the whole pro- 
ceeded in the following order :— 

Independent Fusiliers, 

Martial musick 

Two Toilers 

The CORNER STONE, 

[On a truck, decorated with ribbons, drawn by 

15 white horses, each with a leader.] 

Operative Masons. 

Grand Marshal. 

Stewards, with staves. 

Entered-Apprentices, and Fellow crafts. 

Three Master-Masons, bearing the Square, Level 

and Plumh-Rule. 

Three Stewards, bearing Corn, Wine and Oil. 

Master Masons. 

OflScers of Lodges in their respective jewels. 

Past-Masters, Royal Arch, &c. 

Grand Toiler. 

Band of Musick — decorated. 

Grand Stewards, 

Grand Deacons with Wands, 

Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, 

Past Grand Wardens, 

Grand Senior and Junior Wardens, 

Past Grand Masters 

Rev. Clergy — Brothers — 

Grand Master attended by the Deputy-Grand 

Master, and Grand Stewards. 

Deputy Grand Marshal. 

SherifFof Suflfolk. 

The Agents of the Commonwealth. 

His Excellency The Governor, 

Honor Lx. Governor, 

Adjutant-General, Quarter-Master-General. 

Hon. Council, 

Members of Legislature — 

Clergy, and Strangers of distinction. 



8 THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 

In this order, they moved to the spot intended for the edifice ; and the 
procession being opened, the Agents, His Excellency the Governor, the 
Grand Lodge, Lt. Governor, &c. passed through: and, the operative 
masons having prepared the Stone, his Excellency laid it, with the assist- 
ance of the Grand and Deputy Grand Master, after having deposited there- 
under, a silver plate, bearing the following 

INSCRIPTION— 

This Corner Stone of a Building 

intended for the use of the Legislative^ 

and Executive branches of GOVERNMENT 

of the 

Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS, 

was laid by 

His Excellency SAMUEL ADAMS, Esq. 

Governor of said Commonwealth ; 

Assisted by the Most Worshipful Paul Revere, 

Grand Master, 

And the Right Worshipful William S coll at, 

Deputy Grand Master, 

The Grand Wardens and Brethren 

of the 

GRAND LODGE of Massachusetts, 

On the Fourth Day of July 

AN. DOM. 1795. 

A. L. 5795 

Being the XXth Anniversary of AMERICAN" 

INDEPENDENCE. 

After which the Governor made the following Address : 

" FELLOW citizens, 

" The Representatives of the people in General Court assembled, did 
solemnly Resolve, that an Edifice be erected upon this spot of ground for 
the purpose of holding the Public Councils of the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts. By the request of their Agents and Commissioners, I do 
now lay the Corner Stone. 

" May the Superstructure be raised even to the top Stone without any 
untoward accident, and remain permanent as the everlasting mountains. 
May the principles of our excellent Constitution, founded in nature and in 
the Rights of Man, be ably defended here: And may the same principles 
be deeply engraven on the hearts of all citizens, and there be fixed unim- 
paired and in full vigor till time shall be no more." 

The whole then returned to the Council- Chamber, y^here the procession 
broke up. 

It is utterly impossible to do justice to the scene which presented itself 
on this brilliant occasion. 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 9 

In 1855 on placing new under-pinning under the State House, 
to correspond with that of the addition or enlargement built that 
year, the workmen unexpectedly found the corner-stone in the 
south-east corner in a damaged condition. The silver plate and 
coins deposited in 1 795, being covered only with a piece of sheet 
lead were very much corroded with rust, but after being restored 
to their original condition, there was then engraved on the reverse 
side of the silver plate the following inscription : — 

The Comer Stone of the Capitol 

having been removed in consequence of 

alterations and additions to the Building, 

The original deposit, together with this 

inscription, is replaced by 

the Most "Worshipful Winslow Lewis, M. D. 

Grand Master, 

and other Officers and Brethren of the 

Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 

in presence of 

His Excellency Henry J. Gardner, 

Governor of the Commonwealth, 

on the 11 day of August, A. D. 1855. 

A. L. 5855. 

JOSEPH R. RICHARDS, ) 

SAMUEL K. HUTCHINSON, } Commissioners. 

GEORGE M. THATCHER, J 

The plate, with additional coins of 1855, &c., was then de- 
posited, and a new stone was thus laid in the same corner ; the 
condition of that part of the building, resting on shores, not allow- 
ing sufficient time for any extended notice or more public 
ceremonies. 

On Wednesday, January 10th, 1798, the General Court met in 
the Old State House, where for about fifty years their sessions 
had been held, when information was given that the New State 
House was so far completed that it was in a proper situation to 
accommodate the Governor and Council, the Senate and House 
of Representatives. 

The next day, January 11, a joint committee waited on His 
Excellency Increase Sumner, Governor, and the Honorable 



10 THE STATE HOUSE IX BOSTON. 

Council, and requested " them to join the General Court In pro- 
cession from the old State House to said new House at 1 2 o'clock." 

The following account and extract from the Speech of Gover- 
nor Sumner are copied from the "Independent Chronicle" 
of that date : — 

" Massachusetts^ Legislature. 

January 11. 
rpHE two branches of the Legislature having received the report of their 
■*- committee, agreed to move in procession to the New State House, at 
12 o'clock. 

A Committee was appointed to wait upon His Excellency the Governor 
and the Honorable Council, to invite them to the contemplated Procession. 
At 12 o'clock His Excellency and the Hon. Council, attended the Hon. 
Legislature, previously convened in the Senate Chamber, and the Proces- 
sion was formed, consisting of His Excellency the Governor — His Honor 
the Lieutenant Governor — the Honorable Council — President and Members 
of the Honorable Senate — Speaker and Members of the Honorable House 
of Representatives — Secretary of the Commonwealth — State Treasurer — 
and the respective Secretary's Clerks and Messengers of the different 
Departments, and proceeded to the future scene of the Public Labors. 

When arrived at the New State House they entered the Representatives* 
Hall, and after a few moments pause — the Presence, Aid and Blessing of 
the Supreme Law-Giver was invoked by the Rev. Dr. Thacher, in a 
Prayer peculiarly elegant and pertinent. His Excellency the Governor, 
His Honor the Lieutenant Governor, and the other Officers of the Govern- 
ment, then withdrew to their appropriate Chambers; and the Hon. House 
proceeded to business. 

His Excellency, by Message acquainted the House, that he would meet 
them to-morrow at 12 o'clock, for the purpose of addressing them. 

FRIDAY JAN. 12. 

Agreeable to assignment the two Branches having assembled in the 
Representatives' Chamber, his Excellency the Governor came in and 
delivered the following 

SPEECH: 
Gentlemen of the Senate, and 

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives 
WHILE I rejoice with you, and my fellow-citizens at large, on the comple- 
tion of this stately Edifice, not less honourable to the Commonwealth, at 
whose expense it was erected, than ornamental to the capital which gener- 
ously provided the place; permit me to express my entire satisfaction at the 
ingenious manner in which the plan has been executed. Begun and 
finished in little more than two years, it exhibits a pleasing proof of the 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 11 

architectural skill and fidelity of your agents, who planned and superin- 
tended the work, while it demonstrates the ability of the artificers who 
performed it. 

Combining the advantages of suitable retirement, a healthy situation, 
and delightful prospect, with such elegant and very convenient apartments, 
for the security of the Records, and for transacting the public business, 
there is perhaps no public building to be found within the United States, 
more useful and magnificent. I am confident that you, Gentlemen of 
both Houses of the Legislature will cordially join me in the fervent wish 
that this State-House may long remain a monument of the public spirit of 
the citizens of Massachusetts, as well as a testimony of their respect to our 
happy political institutions. We will then, under the smiles of Heaven, 
unite in dedicating it to the Honor, Freedom, Indejjendence and Security of 
our Country. In this House, may the true principles of the best system of 
civil government the world has ever seen, be uniformly supported. Here, 
may every practice and principle be successfully opposed, that tend to impair 
it. Here, may every act of the Legislature, be the result of cool delibera- 
tion and sound judgment. And in this House, on all necessary occasions, 
may the Supreme Executive, agreeably to the laws of the land, in mercy, 
cause judgment to be executed. And each branch of our elective govern- 
ment, continuing faithful in the discharge of its trust, God grant, that 
neither external force or influence, nor internal commotion or violence, may 
ever shake the cillars of our free Reoublic." 

Doric Hall. 

The visitor to the State House, on entering the Doric Hall, 
"will meet with several objects of historic Interest : — The statue of 
Washington, by Sir F. Chantrey, in the rotunda ; fac-slmlles of 
the Memorial Tablets of the Ancestors of Washington, in front 
of the statue ; two brass cannon formerly belonging to an Artil- 
lery Company in Concord; and two brass cannon captured in 
the War of 1812. 

Here may be seen the flags of most of the regiments of the 
Massachusetts Volunteers, who during the past four years " have 
won renown and have suffered on many battle-fields, and upon 
long and weary marches, in the cold of the Iron winter and In the 
heat of the leafy summer," of whom Gen. William Schouler, 
Adjutant-General, in his Report of 1863, says: " While absent 
from the Commonwealth, they have written to me many friendly 
and often confidential letters, about their condition in the field, 



12 THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 

and of their personal affairs at home, and I have felt, and do now 
feel that, — 

* I loved them for the dangers they have passed, 
And they loved me that I did pity them.' " 

la October, 1864, the Adjutant-General, 

** driven by strong benevolence of soul," 

visited these loved ones in the camp and hospital, and from the 
commencement of the war to its close, has labored for their good, 
in sickness and in health, without intermission. 

On the eastern wall are four tablets " taken from the base of a 
Doric Column, erected in 1791, by the citizens of Boston on the 
top of Beacon Hill. The Column took the place of an old 
wooden Beacon, blown down November 26th, 1789, which gave 
its name to the Hill and Street on which the State House now 
stands, and stood many feet above the roofs of the houses on the 
westerly corner of Temple and Mount Vernon Streets, and com- 
manded a view of the harbor and of the environs of the city. It 
was surmounted by the Gilded Eagle which is now placed over 
the Speaker's chair in the House of Representatives, and was 
taken down October 9th, 1804." 

These Tablets contain the following inscriptions : — 

TO • COMMEMORATE 

THAT • TRAIN ■ OF • EVENTS 

WHICH • LED 

TO • THE • AMERICAN • REVOLUTION 

AND • FINALLY • SECURED 

LIBERTY • AND • INDEPENDENCE 

TO • THE • UNITED • STATES • 

THIS • COLUMN • IS • ERECTED 

BY • THE • VOLUNTARY • CONTRIBUTION 

OF • THE • CITIZENS 

OF • BOSTON 

MDCCXC. 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 13 

Stamp Act passed 1765, repealed 1766. 

Board of Customs established 1767. 

British troops fired on the inhabitants of Boston 

March 5, 1770. 

Tea act passed 1773. 

Tea destroyed in Boston Decern : 16. 

Port of Boston shut and guarded June 1, 1774. 

General Congress at Philadelphia Sept : 4. 

Provincial Congress at Concord Oct : 11. 

Battle of Lexington April 19, 1775. 

Battle of Bunker Hill June 17. 

Washington took command of the army July 2. 

Boston evacuated March 17, 1776. 

Independence declared by Congress July 4, 1776. 

Hancock President. 

Capture of Hessians at Trenton Dec : 26, 1776. 

Capture of Hessians at Bennington Aug : 16, 1777. 

Capture of British army at Saratoga Oct : 17. 

Alliance with France Feb : 6, 1778. 

Confederation of United States formed July 9. 

Constitution of Massachusetts formed 1780. 

Bowdoin President of Convention. 

Capture of British army at York Oct: 19, 1781. 

Preliminaries of Peace Nov: 30, 1782. 

Definitive Treaty of Peace Sept: 10, 1783. 

Federal Constitution formed Sept : 17, 1787. 

and ratified by the United States 1787, to, 1790. 

New Congress assembled at New York April 6, 1789. 

Washington inaugurated President April 30. 

Public debts funded Aug: 4, 1790. 

• AMEPJCANS • 

WHILE • FROM • THIS • EMINENCE 

SCENES • OF • LUXURIANT • FERTILITY 

OF • FLOURISHING • COMMERCE 

& • THE • ABODES • OF • SOCIAL • HAPPINESS 

MEET • YOUR • VIEW 

FORGET • NOT • THOSE 

WHO • BY • THEIR • EXERTIONS 

HAVE • SECURED • TO • YOU 

THESE • BLESSINGS. 



14 THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 

Tnere may also be seen In this Hall a marble bust, on which 
is engraven the name of SAMUEL ADAIVIS. Of this noble 
patriot, who with John Hancock, was by the British Govern- 
ment excepted from pardon in 1775, it cannot be amiss to say — 

" 0, Reader, 

Pass not on till thou hast blessed his memory. 
And never, never forget 
THAT REBELLION TO TYRANTS IS OBE- 
DIENCE TO GOD." 

Samuel Adams and John Hancock were honored in one of the 
earliest songs of the Revolution, in these words : — 

" As for their King, John Hancock, 
And Adams, if they're taken. 
Their heads for sign shall hang up high 
Upon that hill called Beacon." 

Bronze statues of Daniel Webster and Horace Mann have 
been placed on the public grounds in front of the State House. 
The latter was dedicated July 4, 1865, with appropriate services 
and interesting addresses by Governor Andrew and others ; that 
of Mr. Webster was inaugurated several years since, the late 
Hon. Edward Everett honoring his memory in an interesting 
and eloquent eulogy, in presence of a very large and attentive 
audience. 

The rooms above are the Representatives* Hall in the centre, 55 
feet square. Above the Speaker's chair are the Arms of Massa- 
chusetts, and Gilded Eagle, mentioned on page 1 2. In front of 
the Speaker's chair, suspended from the ceiling, on the opposite 
side of the Hall, is the Cod-fish which has been handed down 
from a remote period. Captain John Smith, in his Generall 
Historic of Virginia &c., printed in the year 1624, says: "let 
not the meannesse of the word fish distaste you, for it will afford 
as good gold as the Mines of Guiana or Potassie." 

In the east wing is the Senate Chamber, 55 feet long, 33 wide 
and 30 high, finished in the Ionic order. It is also ornamented 
with Ionic pilasters, and with the arms of the State, and of the 
United States, placed in opposite panels. Here are preserved 



•THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 15 

the portraits of several of the early Governors of Massachusetts, 
namely : John Endicott, John Winthrop, John Leverett, Simon 
Bradstreet, William Burnet, and Increase Sumner, and of the 
Honorable Robert Rantoul. 

On the wall in front of the President's desk are trophies from 
Bennington battle-field, and beneath them in a gilt frame the 
following : — 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Boston, Decemoer 5, 1777. 

Sir,— The General Assembly of this State take the earliest opportunity 
to acknowledge the receipt of your acceptable present — the tokens of 
victory gained at the memorable battle of Bennington. The events of that 
day strongly mark the bravery of the men, who, unskilled in war, forced 
from their intrenchments a chosen number of veteran troops of boasted 
Britons ; as well as the address and valor of the General who directed their 
movements and led them on to conquest. This signal exploit opened the 
way to a rapid succession of advantages most important to America. These 
trophies shall be safely deposited in the archives of the State, and there 
remind posterity of the irresistible power of the GOD of Armies, — and 
the honors due to the memory of the brave. Still attended with like 
successes may you long enjoy the rewards of your grateful country. 

JEREMIAH POWELL, President of the Council 

Brigadier-General John Stark. 

The following is a copy of General Stark's letter to the Council : — 

Bennington, Septemr. 15th, 1777. 
General Starks 

Begs leave to present to the State of the Massachusetts Bay, And pray 
their acceptance of the same, one Hessian Gun, & Bayonet, one Broad 
Sword, one Brass Barrell'd Drum, and one Granadiers Cap, Taken from 
the Enemy, in the Memorable Battle Fought at Maloonscott on the IGth of 
Aug't Last — 

And requests, that, the Same may be kept in Commemoration of that 
Glorious "Victory obtained over the Enemy on that day, by the united 
Troops of that State, Those of New Hampshire, and Vermount, which 
Victory ought to be kept in memory & handed down to futurity as a 
lasting and Laudable Example for the sons and Daughters of the Victors, 
in order, never to suffer themselves to become the prey of those Mercenary 
Tyrants, and British Sycophants, who are daily endeavoring to Ruin and 
Destroy us — I am Gent: your friend & Humble Serv't 

JOHN STARK. 
To the Hon'ble Council 
of (he State of the Massachusetts Bay — 



16 THE STATE HOUSE IX BOSTON. 

Near to these trophies are two Fire-arms, the gift of the 
late Rev. Theodore Parker to the Commonwealth. One near the 
portrait of Governor Sumner, inscribed, — 

*' The First Fire Arm 

Captured in the 

War for Independence." 



On the lock — 



'Grice 
1762." 



The other is placed above the portrait of Governor Bradstreet, 
bearing the following inscriptions : — 

" This Firearm was used by 

Capt. John Parker 

in the Battle of Lexington 

April 19th 

1775" 



On the lock- 



Theodore Parker 1850.' 



In the west wing Is the Council Chamber, 2 7 feet square and 20 
high, with a flat ceiUng ; the walls are finished with Corinthian 
pilasters, and panels of stucco. These panels are encircled witl^ 
the State arms, with emblems of executive power, the scale and 
sword of justice, and the insignia of arts and freedom, the 
caduceus and cap of liberty ; the whole decorated with wreaths 
of oak and laurel. 

The Library contains about 24,000 volumes, a copy of 
Audubon's Birds of America, the laws of all the States in the 
Union, several Historical Medals from the French Government, 
and a portrait of Thomas Gage, the last of the Royal Governors. 

In the basement, in the Agricultural Departjment, is the 
Massachusetts State Cabinet, comprising quite a full collection of 
the birds, quadrupeds, shells, minerals, insects and reptiles of 
Massachusetts ; also, finely mounted skeletons of the cow and 
horse, and a costly mannikin or dissected model of the latter, as 
■well as some models of agricultural implements and other curiosi- 
ties ; all which are accessible to the public during business hours, 
free of charge. 



1 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 



17 



VIEWS 



FROM THE 



CUPOLA or THE STATE HOUSE 



East Window. 

From tliis window are seen tlie Harbor, Islands, Wharves, and 
Shipping. 

In front, on Somerset Street, is seen the First Baptist Church, 
(Dr. Neal, Pastor,) organized in the year 1665 ; the second cen- 
tennial anniversary was celebrated June 7, 1865, with interesting 
services. 

A little to the right, may be seen Faneuil Hall, termed " The 
Cradle of American Liberty." 




[Faneuil Hall.] 



Near to Faneuil Hall, is Faneuil Hall Market, the corner- 
stone of which was laid April 27, A. D. 1825 ; it is nearly 600 



18 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 



1 



feet in Icniith, and 50 feet wide, and is situated between North 
and South JMarket Streets. 



^^ 




[Faneuil Hall Market J 

To the right of the Market, is seen the United States Custom 
House. It is in the form of a Greek cross, the opposite sides and 
ends being alike. It is 140 feet long, north and south, 75 feet 
wide at the ends, and 95 feet through the centre, and is surmounted 
by a dome, which is 95 feet from the floor. 




[Custom House.] 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 



19 



Nearly opposite the Custom House is seen Pine Island. To the 
right of Pine Island is Governor's Island, and further in the same 
direction is seen Fort Independence. 

From this window is also seen the Old South Church, on the 
corner of Washington and Milk Streets, erected in the year 1 730 ; 
in the Revolution profanely converted into a riding-school for 
Burgoyne's cavalry. 

The Granary Burylng-Ground, and the Horticultural Hall, 
recently erected on Tremont Street, are also in sight, and across 
the water is seen East Boston. 




[Old South Church.] 



20 



THE STATE HOUSE IX BOSTON. 



To the left of the First Baptist Church is seen the Methodist 
Church, in Hanover Street. 

North of the Methodist Church is Christ Church, in Salem 
Street, built in the year 1722. Near to the State House, on 
Beacon Street, is seen the Boston Athenaeum. 




[Athenaeum.] 

North Window. 

The Reservoir near to the State House, is seen from this win- 
dow. The basin holds 2,678,961 wine gallons of water. 

To the right of the Reservoir, may be seen the Fitchburg 
Depot, on Causeway Street, near to which are the Depots of the 
Eastern and Lowell Railroads. 




[Fitchburg Depot.] 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 



21 



The tall chimney and round building to the right of the 
Fitchburg Depot, are the Gas Works. To the left, the building 
with trees in front is the Massachusetts General Hospital. The 
large brick building in front of the Hospital, is the Medical 
College. The granite building to the left is the Suffolk County- 
Jail. 

From this window, are seen the Navy Yard and Bunker Hill 
Monument in Charlestown. 

West Window. 

From this window may be seen many new buildings lately 
erected on land formerly overflowed by the tide-waters. The 
Public Garden, and the new Unitarian Meeting-House, Dr. Gan- 
nett's, built of freestone, having a chime of bells, are in sight. 
On the other side of Charles River is Brighton, to the left of 
which is Brookline. 

The house of Governor Hancock could, until recently, be seen 
from this window ; in 1863 it was taken down, and a magnificent 
structure of dwelling-houses has taken its place. 



M^' 




[Hancock House. Built, 1737; taken down, 1863.] 



22 THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 

The following letter of Governor Hancock transmitting a copy 
of the Declaration of Independence is copied from the original 
in the Secretary's Department : — 

[Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 195, page 73.] 

Philada., July 6th, 1776. 
HoNBLE Gentlemen, 

Altho it is not possible to foresee the consequences of Human Actions, 
yet it is nevertheless a Duty we owe ourselves and Posterity in all our 
public Counsels, to decide in the best Manner we are able, and to trust 
the Events to that Being, who Controuls both Causes and Events, so as 
to bring about his own Determinations. 

Impressed with this Sentiment, and at the same Time fully convinced, 
that our Affairs may take a more favourable Turn, the Congress have 
judged it necessary to dissolve all Connection between Great Britain and 
the American Colonies, and to declare them free and independent States; 
as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration which I am directed by 
Congress to transmit to you, and to request you will have it proclaimed in 
your Colony in the Way you shall think most proper. 

The important Consequences to the American States from this Declara- 
tion of Independence, considered as the Ground and Foundation of a future 
Government, will naturally suggest the Propriety of proclaiming it in such 
Manner, that the People may be universally informed of it. 

I have the Honour to be 
with great Respect 
Gentlemen 
your most obed't 
& very hble serv't 



'j^S^ 




Honble Assembly of Massachusetts Bay. 

South Window. 
From this window is seen Park Street Meetlng-House, corner 
of Tremont and Park Streets ; to the right of the church, on 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 



23 



Tremont Street, is the United States Court House, formerly 
known as the Masonic Temple. 




[Park Street Meeting-House.] 




CFnited States Court House.] 

A little beyond Park Street Meetlng-House, is seen the Music 
Hall. The Perkins' Institute and Massachusetts Asylum for the 
Blind, on Mt. Washington, may be seen to the right of the steeple 
of Park Street Meetinsr-House. 



24 



THE STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. 




--tei-asi 



*Sr*, 






[Perkins' Institute.] 

In front of the State House is Boston Common. It " may be 
styled the great breathing apparatus of Boston. In summer or in 
winter those forty-eight acres of undulating ground, green with 
grass or white -with snow, constitute ^a favorite place of resort. 
And when the noble trees that abound there are thick with 
foliage, no more delightful promenade than those broad avenues 
beneath their interlacinsx boughs, could well be imagined.'* 




CBoston Common.] 
A more full account of the buildings and objects seen from the 
Cupola may be found in " The Boston Sights and Stran- 
CrER's Guide.*'. 



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